A look at the Fuji Touring

Fuji Touring

In my short list of bicycles we have remaining to discuss (in reverse order) the Fuji Tourist, Jamis Aurora and Trek 520 touring bicycles.  The idea is to take a look at these bicycles to see how they may also work for you.  Many of these bikes are similar, and some are just the same bicycle from a manufacturer that gets marketed by different companies.  At least that is what I was led to believe until looking at the details.
The frame sizes between the Fuji and Windsor bicycles are quite different.  While at some time before they may have been the same frames, now there are major differences.
Fuji has sized their bicycles from 49cm (XS-S), 54cm (M), 56cm (M-L), 58cm (L) and 64cm (XXL).  This is in a good range to meet the many "people sizes" on the market.  Bike shops can easily make adjustments with seat height and fore/aft positioning and with the stem length/rise height.  Crank arms are also longer on M-L to XXL sizes along with handlebar width being wider.
Component-wise, the Deore rear derailler and Dura-Ace 9 speed are a nice combo.  Tekro brakes handle stopping duties and the 50/39/30 T chainring is well paired with an Acera 11-34T rear cog.  The rest of the parts seem to be a good choice, keeping in mind personal choices like seats and pedals are, well, personal.
The dark gray matte finish is highlighted by small bright red splotches of color in the name graphics, the seat bolt clamp and along the wheel hubs.  A nice visual touch.
Where the bike really makes itself felt is in it's frame, a chromoly, custom tapered, 4130 tube set named Elios 2.  The long touring bicycle seat stays and long dimensional bike frame from the front to rear dropouts and the low bottom bracket work together to make road rides comfortable, supporting the rider comfortably between the 700 x 32c wheels.  The chromoly fork soaks up road vibration.  With a good fit you should be able to ride all day in comfort.  It has been many years since I rode one of these bikes, so that is something I plan to do this year.
I couldn't get a recall notice on the Fuji site to work, and it may mean nothing.  I like the Fuji and it will make a fine touring bicycle for long unsupported road trips, bicycle trail sojourns and running errands around town.  In the next 2 weeks, we'll look at the Jamis models, the Aurora Elite, the Aurora and the Bosanova.